Conference Marks 50th Anniversary of Global CO2 Record

Credit: NOAA

The 50th anniversary of the global CO2 record, begun by Dr. Charles David Keeling at the
South Pole and in Hawaii in 1957, will be celebrated at a symposium in Kona, Hawaii,
near the Mauna Loa Observatory, on 28-30 November 2007. During the International
Geophysical Year (IGY;1957-58) Dr. Keeling began measuring atmospheric CO2 at
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, and South Pole, Antarctica. At the time of Dr. Keeling's initial
efforts, little was known of CO2 in the atmosphere and no reliable atmospheric record
existed. Indeed, many were not certain that one could detect meaningful patterns such as
seasonal changes, hemispheric differences, and fossil fuel emissions with measurements
of such a low-concentration constituent of the atmosphere. The early measurements by
Dr. Keeling began what was to become a coordinated global monitoring network
involving scientists and agencies from countries around the world. Information derived
from this network, which now includes many greenhouse gases, isotopes, and other
tracers, has been crucial for informing national and international assessments of global
climate change, not the least of which are the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC) assessment reports.

Credit: NOAA

Atmospheric carbon dioxide monthy mean mixing ratios. Data prior to May 1974 are from the
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, blue), data since May 1974
are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, red). A long-term trend
curve is fitted to the monthly mean values.

This conference brings together leaders of business, government, and science to discuss
the global CO2 record, climate change, and what is needed from future CO2 measurement
systems to monitor the efficacy of mitigation efforts. The conference will include a
keynote speech by U.S. National Academy of Sciences President Dr. Ralph Cicerone and
presentations and panels focusing on a range of concerns. A session on what has been
learned from the CO2 measurement record will be chaired by Dr. Ralph Keeling of the
Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Dr. Pieter Tans of the U.S. National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's Earth System Research Laboratory. A panel addressing
impacts and urgency includes Vice Admiral Paul Gaffney II, co-author of the Military
Advisory Board's National Security and the Threat of Climate Change, and Dr. Richard
Somerville, a coordinating lead author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) reports.

Credit: NOAA

Mauna Loa Observatory.

Among other conference highlights: IPCC Working Group I Co-Chair Dr. Susan
Solomon will focus on the global climate-related problem of reducing emissions of
ozone-depleting substances, noting how this effort underscores useful approaches for
addressing CO2 emissions; Dr. Robert Socolow of Princeton University, N.J., will chair a
session on mitigation options; former California State Assembly Member Ms. Fran
Pavley, co-author of California's AB 32 tailpipe emission reduction bill, will lead a
session on regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and Dr. Michael Walsh,
executive vice president of the Chicago Climate Exchange, will discuss economic tools
and financial incentives to reduce emissions.